BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers and endometrial cancer risk: A cohort study

Sarah J. Kitson, Cemsel Bafligil, Neil A.J. Ryan, Fiona Lalloo, Emma R. Woodward, Richard D. Clayton, Richard J. Edmondson, James Bolton, Emma J. Crosbie, D. Gareth Evans*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)
103 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background
An association between BRCA pathogenic variants and an increased endometrial cancer risk, specifically serous-like endometrial cancer, has been postulated but remains unproven, particularly for BRCA2 carriers. Mechanistic evidence is lacking, and any link may be related to tamoxifen exposure or testing bias. Hysterectomy during risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is, therefore, of uncertain benefit. Data from a large, prospective cohort will be informative.

Methods
Data on UK BRCA pathogenic variant carriers were interrogated for endometrial cancer diagnoses. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated in four distinct cohorts using national endometrial cancer rates; either from 1/1/1980 or age 20, prospectively from date of personal pathogenic variant report, date of family pathogenic variant report or date of risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. Somatic BRCA sequencing of 15 serous endometrial cancers was performed to detect pathogenic variants.

Results
Fourteen cases of endometrial cancer were identified in 2609 women (1350 BRCA1 and 1259 BRCA2), of which two were prospectively diagnosed. No significant increase in either overall or serous-like endometrial cancer risk was identified in any of the cohorts examined (SIR = 1.70, 95% confidence interval = 0.74–3.33; no cases of serous endometrial cancer diagnosed). Results were unaffected by the BRCA gene affected, previous breast cancer or tamoxifen use. No BRCA pathogenic variants were detected in any of the serous endometrial cancers tested.

Conclusions
Women with a BRCA pathogenic variant do not appear to have a significant increased risk of all-type or serous-like endometrial cancer compared with the general population. These data provide some reassurance that hysterectomy is unlikely to be of significant benefit if performed solely as a preventive measure.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-175
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer
Volume136
Early online date19 Jul 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2020

Keywords

  • Endometrial cancer
  • BRCA1
  • BRCA2
  • Risk
  • Serous endometrial cancer

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers and endometrial cancer risk: A cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this